As we finished our lunch, Alicia wiped her mouth gently with a napkin and leaned back, eyes still on me, a soft knowing smile painted on her lips. "You're not going to tell me who that woman is, are you?"
I grinned, tossing the empty container back into the bag. "Nope," I said, grinning playfully. I don't really think that there is a need to make a big fuss about it. After all, I don't mind that not everyone would know me, and besides, I don't even know that woman's name.
Alicia tilted her head with a teasing pout. "Not even a hint?"
"Nope," I repeated, popping the "p" as I stood up to stretch. "It's not that really of a big deal, after all, we are all individuals who are struggling with our own individual problems. Maybe she's facing something, for her to act that way. I just hope I won't run into her again—unless I'm feeling particularly theatrical."
Alicia understood where I'm coming from. She let out a small laugh, the sound so low and warm, her hand reaching to pull me gently back onto her lap. "I won't meddle if that's what you want, but if she ever lays a finger on you—if the two of you cross paths again—I'm going to make sure her desk ends up in the basement. With a broken chair."
I laughed, wrapping my arms around her neck, planting a small peck on her lips. "See, this is why I didn't mean to tell you. You'd go full CEO mode."
"I am the CEO," she smirked. "It's in the job description to be slightly terrifying."
We sat there for a few seconds, just quietly holding each other, with the kind of silence that didn't feel empty—just full of unsaid thoughts but understood.
The atmosphere remained like that for a few minutes more. Then a knock came.
We both straightened instantly. Alicia cleared her throat and adjusted her expression into something more business-like. "Come in."
Leah poked her head in. "Sorry to interrupt, Ms. Alicia, but Ms. Valentine is here. She said it's about the Quarterly Report?"
Alicia raised a brow. "Valentine?"
I know it's work-related, but I didn't seem to remember that she had that plan for the day. I looked at Leah inquiringly. "It was not on the schedule, Mrs. Blanc, so I failed to include that on today's schedule," she said, answering my inquiring gaze. I nodded at her, acknowledging that I understood. She then left and closed the door.
"Oh, I guess it's also time for me to head out. I'll see you at home, love," I said, as I smoothed up Alicia's clothes—preparing to leave. Alicia walked me to the door, and before opening it, she gave me a kiss like she always does.
When she opened the door, Valentine was standing a few steps away, tapping impatiently on her tablet. She looked up at the sound of the door—and froze the moment her eyes landed on me.
"You," she said, her tone laced with disdain.
Alicia paused beside me, her brows slightly raised. "Ms. Valentine?"
Valentine straightened, her eyes locked on me, her voice louder now. "That's the rude woman I talked to HR about earlier."
I blinked, the corner of my lip twitching as I fought the urge to give her a smirk. Alicia's hand stilled against my back, and her expression went quiet. "Excuse me?" my wife asked, her voice suddenly cooler, but still calm. Controlled.
Leah on the side also knew about Alicia's tone change. She also stood up from her chair, approaching to stop Valentine from making further mistakes.
"She claimed to be a trainee," Valentine went on, her voice gaining confidence, pointing at me. "She said her name is Meia Loren. I'm not sure why she's up here again, it's clear that she's a frau—!" But before she could continue, Leah calmly shouted, "Valentine, apologize right now!"
Valentine was surprised by Leah's words. I looked at Alicia, still looking calm, but I know those eyes—brewing in them are anger and irritation. She looked at me, who was gazing at her. Her eyes softened. I gave her a small smile and patted her delicate hand to calm her down.
"Oh, I'm not a trainee, Ms. Valentine."
"You said—" Valentine began, her eyes narrowing with growing confusion.
"I said my name was Meia Loren," I replied evenly. "Which is true. And I was delivering something to the CEO, also true."
Valentine blinked, her confusion deepening. "Then who—?"
Alicia stepped forward, her voice quiet but firm. "She is my wife, Meia Blanc." Her hand deliberately slid around my waist.
Valentine's face lost all color in an instant. "Wi-wife...?"
"My wife," Alicia repeated, chill in her voice. "And a guest in this building—someone who deserves respect, just like every other person here."
Valentine's mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. Her earlier arrogance crumbled into stunned embarrassment, her hands touching the tablet like a lifeline.
"If you have any concern about employee behavior," Alicia continued, voice sharp as glass now, "it's best to verify who you're talking to before making any threats. I expect my staff to be better than this."
"I—I didn't know—"
"No," Alicia said with a mocking smile. "You didn't."
I felt that I should step in now before Alicia made a living hell out of Valentine's little life. I patted my wife's hand to gain her attention. "That's enough, love," I said, giving her a gentle smile to ease her anger. Then I motioned to Leah to take care of this.
Alicia sighed, brushing a kiss on my temple before backing down.
"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Blanc... Please forgive me... I'm really sorry." Valentine apologized earnestly. I don't want to make a big fuss out of this, and I know that Valentine was hired here because of her skills—she just needed that attitude changed. "I'll accept your apology, but I hope that next time, whoever it is that you cross paths with, make sure to treat them respectfully regardless of their status."
She bowed her head, promising that she'll do so from now on. Leah also apologized for the lack of surveillance when it comes to the employees' attitude. She also promised that they will come up with a solution to avoid the same mistake again.
Alicia also agreed and let things slide this time around because of my constant pleas. She then turned to Valentine with her usual business-like demeanor. "We'll discuss the quarterly report shortly. Please wait in the conference room."
Valentine thanked me and Alicia before entering the conference room together with Leah.
After all that, I kissed Alicia goodbye and headed down to my car.
However, as I entered my car, I couldn't help but have this foreboding feeling. I don't know what it is, so I just shrugged it off.
I tossed the bag inside my car and started the engine. I hummed softly as I drove peacefully. The sun gently brushed against the windshield of my car. Then my phone began to vibrate.
It was my editor, Lena.
"Hey Meia," her voice rang cheerfully through the speaker, "just a gentle reminder that your revised chapters are due tomorrow morning. Please tell me you got at least two-thirds of it ready?"
I laughed sheepishly, easing the car into the road. "Lena, if I said yes, I'd be lying."
She groaned dramatically. "Meia..."
We both laughed. The conversation warmed me more than the sunshine flooding through the windshield.
But... the moment shattered in an instant.
I saw it too late—a black car speeding through a red light, coming straight at the side of my car.
Time slowed down—the sickening crunch of impact exploded around me.
The scream of brakes, the crack of glass echoed throughout my ears, as my body jolted violently and flung sideways by the force.
My breath caught in my throat, as pain bloomed somewhere in my side. Distantly, I could hear shouts for help, and people running rapidly, but why is it that my time seemed very slow?
I couldn't move, breathing was painful, everything was starting to get blurry.
Memories flooded my mind, my wife's beautiful smile, her laughter.
Alicia... I feared she might worry too much and cry... I don't want that... I can't close my eyes... I can't leave her behind... She'll be sad...
My thoughts trailed off, as I tried hard to fight my lids from falling shut, but sleep clung to me like a fog I couldn't escape.
Until I couldn't finally fight it. The darkness had finally pulled me under, as my last thoughts about my wife sunk together with my consciousness.
"Alicia—..."